The knight-errant who acted in any other way would fall into disgrace. It is the usage and custom in chivalry that the knight who is about to attempt some great feat of arms beholds his lady before him and turns his eyes gently and amorously toward her as if he were asking her favor and protection in this critical moment of peril that awaits him. And moreover, though none do hear him, he is bound to say certain words between clenched teeth by which he commends himself to her with all his heart.
